Former New Zealand cricketer Craig Cumming joins the Blaze as head coach for their Tier 1 campaign.
Appointment of Craig Cumming as Blaze head coach
Craig Cumming, ex New Zealand cricketer, has been appointed as the head coach of Blaze, a Tier 1 domestic women’s cricket team.
Cumming’s impressive coaching career with the Otago Sparks, where he led them to two Hallyburton Johnstone Shield titles, made him the ideal candidate for the role.
His tenure with the Blaze begins after the Super Smash T20 competition, marking a new chapter in his career.
Cumming expressed his excitement about joining the Blaze, emphasizing the team’s high standards and close-knit environment.
“I feel very humbled and privileged to be selected as the head coach of the Blaze,” said Cumming.
“I already know some of the players and staff and have visited the team while in the UK over the last two years, so I know everyone is working to the highest standard. But more importantly, I know I’m joining a brilliant group of people, within and off the field.
“I look forward to becoming part of this great team and am ambitious to help bring more of the success they have had over the past two seasons.”
He recognized their recent successes and aims to contribute significantly to their future achievements.
“I feel very humbled and privileged to be selected as the head coach of the Blaze,” he said, adding that he is eager to work with both the players and the management team.
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Blaze’s vision for success under new leadership
Cumming’s appointment comes after Chris Guest, the previous manager, took over as England Women’s Under-19s manager.
Guest was instrumental in driving the Blaze to their first Charlotte Edwards Cup victory.
Blaze director of cricket James Cutt emphasized that Cumming’s leadership and coaching success with the Otago Sparks made him stand out among many strong global contenders.
“Craig’s success as a coach speaks for itself. In a relatively short space of time, Craig has had a significant impact on Otago, which has been a prominent force in New Zealand women’s cricket in recent years. I’m excited to see how we can develop under his leadership.
“Guesty’s departure gave us an opportunity to see how we could move forward from a position of strength, having put together such a strong record over the last two summers.
“We conducted an exhaustive, global search to find the best candidate and – among some very strong candidates – Craig’s credentials and pedigree were the most compelling.
“There’s an exciting summer ahead, with an expanded fixture list and a squad with a mix of young talent and international experience, and I’m sure Craig’s fresh perspective will be a huge asset.”
Cutt also mentioned the Blaze’s ambitious plans for the upcoming season, including an expanded slate of games.
With a mix of young talent and experienced international players, Cumming’s fresh perspective is expected to lead the team forward.
Anticipation is building for the upcoming season
The Blaze’s upcoming season promises to be an exciting journey under Cumming’s leadership.
Known for his strategic approach and ability to inspire players, he aims to maintain team momentum while encouraging further development.
Fans and cricket enthusiasts are looking forward to the positive changes and successes that Cumming will bring to the Blaze.
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